BOISE, Idaho — Veterinary clinics across Idaho are reporting a significant increase in ticks this year, with some pets arriving with as many as 20 ticks attached.

‘Animals ‘R Us’ in Boise has been treating six to eight tick cases per week, manager and technician Laurie Simmons said.

"Ticks are extremely bad this year," Simmons said. "With the mild winter, they didn’t kill off."

The parasites are affecting pets in popular outdoor areas, including the Boise Greenbelt, foothills and river areas, as well as residential yards. Simmons noted that ticks particularly favor sagebrush areas.

The surge has prompted both pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts to take additional precautions. Lucas and Marin Plant, who regularly take their two dogs hiking in the foothills, use preventative tick medicine

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